22 Abingdon Prep • September 2024 PEOPLE - FOND FAREWELLS LOUISE BATHO When Louise was just about to start at Abingdon Prep, I remember Rachel saying, ‘I know Louise - she’s good’. Well, that has turned out to be a huge understatement! Louise has proved herself to be an amazing teacher and an immense asset to the school. Louise joined Abingdon Prep in September 2012. Some quick mental maths will tell you that she has been here for 12 years. In that time she has held many roles and contributed to many aspects of the school. Louise has been a wonderful form teacher for both Year 4 and Year 5, teaching maths and English and a range of other subjects. She has also held the position of Section Head and went on to be a very caring Assistant Head Pastoral. But the list does not end there. Louise’s talents have enabled her to take on yet more roles within our school. Her artistic flair was evident when she was Head of Drama and designed super stage sets and directed plays. She also taught Drama to Reception for several years - which is very impressive! Louise also ran an Art and Craft Club for many years, and more recently has run Well-Being Clubs and workshops, which every child has benefitted from. Not to waste her sporting talents, Louise has been teaching PE to Pre-Prep right up to this year. She has the ability to connect with all ages of children in the school. Louise has shown great commitment, wanting the best for the children in her care. Her classrooms have been inviting for the children with lovely displays and a calm and purposeful atmosphere. She has superb organisational skills and the ability to think ahead. Louise is a thoughtful and considerate person, always willing to help her colleagues any way she can. It is for these reasons that she has been so successful with each position held. JACK FOSTER (Front: Andy, Steve, Back R: Robin) Three of our minibus drivers retired or moved onto other things this term. After 14 years of daily runs and countless trips, Steve Spencer finally hung up his keys, remembering his young passengers, and many of their parents, with huge affection and not a few comic stories! Tony and Robin may have only been with us for 4 and 1 years respectively, but have played their parts in our minibus offering with equal dedication to their passengers, Tony also taking on the thankless task of managing our buses. We send all three our very best wishes. ANDREW HAWKESWORTH, STEVE SPENCER and ROBIN HOWARD He may only have been with us for two terms, but Jack has been a super gap student, popular with the children and staff alike and so helpful to all. He also introduced APS to Aussie Rules Football in an Other Half Club. Jack is returning to Australia to study Business at Perth University and we wish him all the best with his studies. You may not know this, but Louise is an incredible athlete. She has run marathons and regularly goes wild water swimming. She is also an intrepid traveller and loves exploring different countries, experiencing different cultures. We are sad that she is leaving but I know she will be able to spend a little more time doing the activities she loves so much. I will miss our morning chats in the staff room where we talk about the day ahead, amongst other things. She has been and will continue to be a much valued friend to so many here. Lenka Sowter
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